Broncos backline star breaks silence on contract talks
HERBIE Farnworth has broken his silence on his Broncos future, with the off-contract centre declaring he will do “the best thing for myself” as he prepares for talks with Dolphins super coach Wayne Bennett.
The in-form Farnworth has interest from five NRL clubs and he is reaching the business end, with his agent to kick off negotiations with Bennett this week in a move that will have alarm bells ringing at Red Hill.
While Farnworth’s preference is to stay the Broncos, the 22-year-old has become one of the most sought-after outside backs on the open market following his outstanding start to the season.
The Broncos have tabled an offer to keep Farnworth, but they are in danger of losing a bidding war to a Dolphins franchise desperate to secure some quality backline talent.
The England World Cup hopeful is expected to make a definitive call in the next fortnight and says he is seriously exploring rival bids as he mulls over the most important contract of his career so far.
“I am happy with the Broncos and I love everyone here, but I have to weigh up my options,” Farnworth said. “Obviously I love the Broncos, I have been here since I was 15 years old, but I have to do the best thing for myself.
“I haven’t been talking to any clubs myself.
“I have been letting my agents talk to the clubs and then I will meet with them in the next couple of weeks and sit down and go through all the options.
“We haven’t put a deadline on things, but in the next few weeks we will talk to all the clubs and then come up with a plan of attack.”
Farnworth has interest from at least two Sydney clubs, with Parramatta having been linked to the hard-running 103kg utility back.
But the Dolphins shape as the biggest threat to the Broncos in the battle for Farnworth’s signature.
It is understood the Dolphins have offered the additional carrot of the right-centre position, said to be Farnworth’s preferred spot.